Nostalgic Lunchbox: A Taste of the Past
Nostalgic Lunchbox: A Taste of the Past
Recreate a heartwarming, retro-style lunchbox filled with cherished memories
Let’s make a trip down memory lane with a classic lunchbox featuring stir-fried kimchi and anchovies.
Lunchbox Essentials- Pink Sausage 250g (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- Eggs 3
- Steamed Rice 2 bowls
- Seaweed Flakes, a pinch
- Toasted Sesame Seeds, a pinch
- Vegetable Oil 1 Tbsp (for frying)
Kimchi Stir-fry- Kimchi 1/4 head (finely chopped)
- Onion 1/2 (sliced thinly)
- Green Onion 1/4 stalk (chopped)
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 tsp
Spicy Stir-fried Anchovies- Dried Anchovies (small) 25g
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 1 tsp
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Rice Syrup or Corn Syrup 1 tsp
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Olive Oil 1 Tbsp
- Minced Green Chili 1 (optional)
- Green Onion 1/4 stalk (chopped)
- Kimchi 1/4 head (finely chopped)
- Onion 1/2 (sliced thinly)
- Green Onion 1/4 stalk (chopped)
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 tsp
Spicy Stir-fried Anchovies- Dried Anchovies (small) 25g
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 1 tsp
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Rice Syrup or Corn Syrup 1 tsp
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Olive Oil 1 Tbsp
- Minced Green Chili 1 (optional)
- Green Onion 1/4 stalk (chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start with the kimchi stir-fry! Finely chop the kimchi and place it in a pot or pan. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and stir-fry together. The kimchi will soften and release a delicious aroma.
Step 2
Once the kimchi is partially stir-fried, add the thinly sliced onion. Continue to stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent. The sweetness of the onion will meld beautifully with the kimchi, enhancing its flavor.
Step 3
When the onion is nearly cooked, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Mix well and continue to stir-fry. This step adds a delightful balance of sweetness and spice to the tangy kimchi.
Step 4
Finally, add the chopped green onions and stir-fry for a little longer. The fresh aroma of the green onions will add another layer of flavor.
Step 5
Turn off the heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds, and mix well. Your delicious kimchi stir-fry is complete! You’re one step closer to a nostalgic lunchbox.
Step 6
Now for the stir-fried anchovies. Place the small dried anchovies in a sieve and gently shake to remove any dust or debris. Heat a dry pan over low heat (no oil needed) and toast the anchovies until they become crispy and fragrant. This removes any fishiness.
Step 7
Once the anchovies are nicely toasted and crispy, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced green chili (if using) and chopped green onions, stir-frying until fragrant. The spicy aroma will whet your appetite.
Step 8
Time to season! To the stir-fried anchovies, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of rice syrup or corn syrup, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of gochujang, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Stir quickly to coat the anchovies evenly with the sauce. Your spicy and sweet stir-fried anchovies are ready!
Step 9
Let’s prepare the star of the lunchbox! Slice the pink sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 eggs with a tiny pinch of salt. Dip the sliced pink sausage into the beaten egg, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 10
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the egg-coated pink sausage slices into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. You can also make a simple fried egg with any remaining egg mixture. These golden-brown additions will make your lunchbox even more special.
Step 11
It’s time to assemble your lunchbox! Fill your lunch container with warm steamed rice. Arrange the prepared pink sausage, spicy anchovy stir-fry, and kimchi stir-fry neatly alongside the rice. Finally, place the golden fried egg on top.
Step 12
Sprinkle some savory seaweed flakes over the lunchbox, and finish with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful touch. Your nostalgic, retro lunchbox is now complete! Enjoy your delicious trip down memory lane.
